Social
Volunteering and psychological distress among college students in China: a longitudinal study Alex Torres* Alex Torres Sudais Imtiaz Stephen W. Pan
Background: In China, research suggests that volunteering activities protect against psychological distress. However, such research has primarily relied on cross-sectional study designs susceptible to reverse causality. In response, we used a longitudinal study design to examine potential associations between volunteering and psychological distress among college students in East China.
Methods: In 2020, 806 first-year college students over 18 years old in East China completed a baseline survey [t0] and were enrolled into the study. Follow-up surveys occurred 4 [t1], 8 [t2], and 12 months later [t3]. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to assess associations between volunteering [t1 & t2] and psychological distress 4 months later [t2 & t3, respectively]. Control variables included baseline psychological distress [t0], volunteering [t0], loneliness [t0], and sociodemographics [t0]. Analysis was conducted with multiple imputation and 100 imputed datasets. Volunteering was measured as self-reported number of hours the student engaged in unpaid work (excluding work for family members) each month. Psychological distress was measured by depressive and anxiety symptom severity using the PHQ-4 (range for each: 0-6).
Results: Compared to those who did not volunteer, odds of psychological distress were significantly greater among those who volunteered 3-7 hours (AOR: 3.14, 95 % CI: 1.47 – 6.77) and >8 hours (OR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.12 – 8.16). Volunteering < 3 hours was not associated with depressive symptomology. Anxiety symptomology was not associated with any level of volunteering.
Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study of volunteering and psychological distress among college students in China. Contrary to previous cross-sectional studies, results indicate that volunteering may be undermining mental health. Longitudinal and qualitative studies are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate possible mechanisms of association.